Big Stick Policy

Definition

The Big Stick Policy is a diplomatic strategy developed by President Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing the use of military force as a means to achieve foreign policy goals, particularly in Latin America. This approach was rooted in the belief that displaying military strength would deter aggression and promote U.S. interests abroad, while also allowing for negotiations backed by the threat of force. It was most prominently applied during Roosevelt's presidency in the early 20th century, shaping U.S.-Latin American relations through interventions and assertive diplomacy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Big Stick Policy was famously summarized by Roosevelt's phrase, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' This reflected his belief in a strong military as a deterrent.
2. Under this policy, the U.S. intervened in several Latin American countries, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic, to stabilize economies and prevent European interference.
3. The policy was part of Roosevelt's broader foreign policy agenda known as 'dollar diplomacy,' which sought to use economic power alongside military force.
4. The construction of the Panama Canal was directly related to the Big Stick Policy, as Roosevelt supported a revolt in Panama against Colombia to secure U.S. interests in the region.
5. Critics of the Big Stick Policy argued it led to an imperialistic approach, undermining sovereignty and fostering resentment among Latin American nations.

Review Questions

• How did the Big Stick Policy influence U.S. relations with Latin American countries during Roosevelt's presidency?
  • The Big Stick Policy significantly shaped U.S.-Latin American relations by promoting military intervention as a primary tool for achieving foreign policy goals. Roosevelt's approach led to direct U.S. involvement in countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic, where military presence was used to stabilize governments and protect American interests. This interventionist stance often resulted in strained relations with Latin American nations that viewed U.S. actions as imperialistic rather than supportive.
• Discuss the connection between the Big Stick Policy and the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.
  • The Big Stick Policy is closely connected to the Roosevelt Corollary, which reinforced the Monroe Doctrine by asserting that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin America to maintain order and prevent European powers from intervening. This corollary expanded upon the idea of protecting U.S. interests through military means, as outlined in the Big Stick Policy. Together, they established a precedent for American interventionism in the region, legitimizing U.S. involvement under the guise of maintaining stability.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Big Stick Policy on U.S.-Latin American relations and regional dynamics.
  • The Big Stick Policy had profound long-term effects on U.S.-Latin American relations, contributing to a legacy of distrust and resentment among many Latin American nations. While it aimed to stabilize regions and promote American interests, it often reinforced perceptions of U.S. imperialism and disregard for sovereignty. This created enduring tensions that influenced regional politics and attitudes towards American influence throughout the 20th century, culminating in movements against perceived neo-colonialism and calls for greater autonomy.

Related terms

Roosevelt Corollary:

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order.

Monroe Doctrine:

A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as a threat.

Panama Canal: A significant engineering project completed in 1914, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and exemplified U.S. interventionist policies in Central America.